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Our assessment

POA = price on application. Some manufacturers don't supply RRPs for their heat pumps, citing the wide variation in installation costs depending on location of indoor and outdoor units. For these brands, prices (unit+installation) are only available from brand-accredited installers, who will usually provide a free, no-obligation quote.

Before using our database to choose the right model for your home, it’s essential to work out the required heating capacity (kW) for your home. The best way to do this is to use our calculator or enlist the services of an experienced heat pump installer. A top-scoring model won’t be able to keep your home at a healthy temperature if it’s too small for the job.

Smaller heat pumps are more efficient than bigger ones. Our scores take this into account, so a model that scores highly for heating efficiency will have a COP that’s higher than average for a model of its size. A score of 7.0 indicates the average result for a model of that heating capacity (kW). The same applies for noise scores, so a large model scoring 7.0 for indoor noise will be louder than a small model which also scored 7.0 – use the dBA figures if you want to know how models of different sizes compare.

Our low-temperature performance score is based on the difference between the standard kW heating capacity (measured at 7°C) and output at 2°C (the H2 rating), the prime temperature for frost formation. Some brands don’t provide this information to us. If you live somewhere prone to winter frosts, we recommend you look for a model with an H2 rating.